Gary Manzo

My career has been a balancing act, juggling my three passions: Art, Psychology and Business. Mostly, I work on a commission basis but I have exhibited internationally, having been awarded the honor of Top 100 artists worldwide, by World Wide Art Foundation in both 2011 and 2012. In addition to my fine art work, I have created many illustrations, most notably 40 works for Alexandre de Bothuri, author and distinguished collector. Alexandre’s collection is among the most prestigious private collections globally. I am so honored to have my work among his collection. Many of my works are in private and corporate collections in Canada, Europe and the United State. A large painting of mine is housed in the Civic Center in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario.

Recently, my work has taken a new direction. Over my career I have experimented and worked in a variety of styles and mediums. At this point in my life, my work has become more spiritual, utilizing personal symbols, in a more controlled way of expression, with the idea of storytelling, and creating works that have a personal, yet, universal sense of recording my own progress through the Self Actualization Process as defined by Carl Jung. It is my hope that my images speak to the viewer at a deeper level, where their own experiences, perceptions, and feelings, mesh with what I have presented to act as a catalyst to their own adventures into themselves. As Paul Klee wrote : “The role of an artist is to hold a mirror up to society, so it may contemplate itself.” And, Giorgio de Chirico said: “What can I love but the enigma?” These among other statements from the “greats” haunt my daily existence.

I have been asked by CalArts (California Institute of the Arts) to be an online tutor/mentor for the courses they offer on line. I have an expertise in Bauhaus Essentials, and this is part of their curriculum. Could be interesting.